Head Chef - Colesbourne Inn

Wadworth; Colesbourne; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Career progression

Bonuses

Discount 25% food & stay

Tips

Cycle to Work

Parental leave

Accommodation

Double pay Xmas

Wagestream

Recognition program

Job summary

Wadworth's Colesbourne Inn in the countryside is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen, inspire a team and deliver consistently excellent food. You will manage costs, food safety, and margins while shaping menus and guest experiences in a traditional pub, restaurant and hotel setting.

You will work closely with the General Manager, foster a positive kitchen culture, and develop staff through hands-on leadership, training and mentoring.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen and delivering high-quality food.
• Strong leadership with ability to develop and inspire teams.
• Commercially minded with focus on cost control and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for day-to-day kitchen operations and performance.
• Lead, develop and inspire the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service.
• Ensure dishes are prepared, cooked and presented to specification.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Commercial mindset

People development

Food safety

Menu planning

Cost management

Job description

At Wadworth, we're proud of our heritage, passionate about hospitality and committed to creating memorable experiences for every customer who walks through our doors.

The Colesbourne Inn is a charming coaching inn offering a traditional pub, restaurant and hotel accommodation in a stunning countryside setting. Combining historic character with exceptional hospitality, it's a fantastic place to work as part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering great food, drink and guest experiences.

We're looking for an experienced, inspiring and commercially minded Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who is passionate about great food, developing people and running a successful kitchen operation.

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the kitchen. You'll lead your team to deliver consistently high-quality food, manage costs effectively, maintain exceptional food safety standards and create a positive, high-performing kitchen culture. Working closely with the General Manager, you'll play a key role in the success of the business, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable dining experience.

What You'll Be Doing

• Taking full responsibility for the day-to-day operation and performance of the kitchen.
• Leading, developing and inspiring your kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service standards.
• Ensuring dishes are prepared, cooked and presented consistently to specification.
• Managing labour, stock, wastage and food margins to maximise profitability.
• Recruiting, training and developing chefs and kitchen team members to build a skilled and engaged team.
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, food safety and health & safety compliance.
• Planning kitchen rotas and managing staffing levels to meet business needs.
• Monitoring food quality, customer feedback and operational performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Working collaboratively with the General Manager and wider management team to achieve business objectives.
• Creating a positive culture where teamwork, accountability and excellence are at the heart of everything you do.

What We're Looking For

We want people who share our values and have a genuine passion for food, leadership and hospitality.

Quality: You are committed to delivering exceptional food and maintaining consistently high standards across every aspect of the kitchen operation.

Accountability: You take ownership of kitchen performance, lead by example and ensure your team consistently delivers against expectations.

One Team: You invest in your people, support their development and create an environment where everyone works together to achieve success.

Productivity: You have strong organisational and commercial skills, balancing food quality, team performance and profitability while ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently.

Legacy: You are proud to be part of a business with a rich heritage and understand your role in creating memorable dining experiences that keep guests returning.

Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or in a similar kitchen leadership role is essential. You'll be a confident leader with strong culinary skills, a commercial mindset and a passion for developing both people and food.

When You Join Wadworth, You'll Benefit From:

• Training and development opportunities.
• Career progression opportunities within our growing estate.
• Bonus opportunities.
• Discount offering 25% off food, drink and accommodation.
• Tips.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Accommodation provided (subject to availability).
• Double pay on Christmas Day.
• Wagestream.
• Recognition for great work and living our values.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're an ambitious kitchen leader who is passionate about food, developing great teams and running a successful operation, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help lead a kitchen that delivers quality, consistency and memorable dining experiences while building on the proud heritage of one of Britain's oldest independent brewing and pub companies.